answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

It is not just in fractions. In general, division can be defined as multiplication by the reciprocal. For example, dividing by 5 is the same as multiplying by 0.2. However, it is mainly in calculations with fractions that this is normally used as a practical way of doing the calculations.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do you need to find the reciprocal of the divisor when dividing a fraction?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Other Math

How do you use the reciprocal of the divisor to find the answer to a division problem?

Multiply the reciprocal of the divisor by the dividend.


Dividing one third is the same as multiplying by what number?

Dividing by any fraction is the same as multiplying by that fraction's reciprocal. To find a fraction's reciprocal on a calculator, simply raise the fraction to the power of -1. In this case, dividing by 1/3 is the same as multiplying by (1/3)-1 = 3. For example, 8 / 1/3 = 8 x 3 = 24


What is the reciprocal number?

A reciprocal of a number is the value you get by dividing 1 by the number. For example, if you want to find the reciprocal of 10, then you divide 1 by 10 and you get 1/10. You can find the reciprocal of a fraction as well. Thus if you want the reciprocal of 1/10 then you divide 1 by 1/10 which is (1)/(1/10) which yields the original number we started with, namely 10. So 10 and 1/10 are reciprocals of each other. Note also that multiplying any number by its reciprocal will always yield 1.


How do you find a reciprocal?

A reciprocal is the number you must multiply another number by to get the product of 1. The reciprocal of 4 (which is the same as 4/1) is 1/4. The reciprocal of 3/8 is 8/3. The reciprocal of 13 is 1/13.This can also be expressed using exponents. The reciprocal of any value x is equal to x-1. So the reciprocal of a/b is (a/b)-1, which is equal to b/a.To find a reciprocal, put the number under one. If it is a fraction, flip the fraction. Whatever the reciprocal is, remember that it must always multiply to one with the original number.


Find the reciprocal of -1.7?

The reciprocal, or multiplicative inverse, of -1.7 is (-1.7)-1 In case you are not comfortable with exponents yet, another way to write the reciprocal is to swap the numerator of a fraction with the denominator. So first convert -1.7 into a fraction, then "flip it upside down" by switching the number on top with the number on bottom.

Related questions

How do you use the reciprocal of the divisor to find the answer to a division problem?

Multiply the reciprocal of the divisor by the dividend.


Dividing one third is the same as multiplying by what number?

Dividing by any fraction is the same as multiplying by that fraction's reciprocal. To find a fraction's reciprocal on a calculator, simply raise the fraction to the power of -1. In this case, dividing by 1/3 is the same as multiplying by (1/3)-1 = 3. For example, 8 / 1/3 = 8 x 3 = 24


Why do you find the reciprocal of fractions when dividing?

Most people find multiplication by a fraction easier than dividing by a fraction. Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal. For example, 10 / (3/4) would require you to divide by 3/4. How many three-quarters in ten? Hmmm... Not that easy. Instead, try multiplying by 4/3 Much easier: 10*(4/3) = 40/3 = 13.33...


Do you find the reciprocal in a fraction multiplication?

To get the reciprocal of a fraction, exchange the numerator and denominator.


What is reciprocal of a number?

The reciprocal of a number is the inverse of that number. It is obtained by dividing 1 by the number. For example, the reciprocal of 5 is 1/5 and the reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.


When dividing mass and volume which is the divisor?

The divisor is the number doing the dividing, rather than the number being divided. For example, in the problem 144/12, 12 is dividing into 144, so 12 is the divisor. If you are dividing mass by volume to attempt to find density, the volume measurement will be the divisor.


What ia a reciprocal fraction?

The reciprocal of the fraction is simply the fraction raised to the -1 power. Simply "flip the fraction upside down" to find the reciprocal. e.g. 3/23 has a reciprocal of 23/3.


How do you find the quotient in fractions?

When dividing two fractions, multiply the first fraction by the second fraction's reciprocal. 2/3 divided by 3/4 = 2/3 x 4/3


What is reciprocal of -3?

1/3. The fraction for 3 is 3/1, and to find a reciprocal, you have to flip the fraction.


How do you find the reciprocal of a whole number and a fraction?

Number x Reciprocal = 1 Therefore Reciprocal = 1/Number


When dividing fractions you multiply by the reciprocal of this fraction?

Yes. For example, if you're trying to find our 5/9 divided by 4/8, you multiply 5/9 by 8/4, giving you 40/36. (In most cases, simplification is necessary.)


How do you find the quotient by dividing two improper fractions?

Multiply by the second fraction's reciprocal. 7/4 divided by 8/5 = 7/4 x 5/8